Viewers might recognize Hugh Bonneville best for his role in "Downton Abbey" but come Easter, the actor will be sharing his investigations into the final days of Jesus in a documentary. "Jesus: Countdown to Calvary" will air on most public televisions in the U.K. and U.S.
The actor shared that RTE offered the documentary project to him and, he told Religion News Service in an interview, he accepted as he had a "detective forensic interest" in the New Testament Gospels - although he adds he has not read these books in almost 35 years.
Unknown to many, Bonneville studied theology at the Cambridge University before he became a famous actor. One of his teachers was the former head of the Church of England, Archbishop Rowan Williams.
As soon as "Downton Abbey" wrapped up its final season in 2015, Bonneville packed his bags and traveled all the way to Jerusalem, the site of Jesus' crucifixion and death two thousand years ago, to speak with experts, discuss the historical events and document the experience in "Jesus: Countdown to Calvary."
"I hope to make the program more accessible to more people and that more people will understand this story, be they atheists or Christians or Jews or whatever," Bonneville stated. Regardless of anyone's beliefs, Bonneville also said that Jesus Christ made a huge impact in the world.
"You cannot escape the fact that the last six days of this man's life, and his death, changed the world," the actor shared.
RTE officially announced the production of "Jesus: Countdown to Cavalry" in August 2017 as a co-production with European broadcaster ARTE and the American Public Television (APT). The documentary will also feature 4K technologies and a high-end production to deliver Jesus' story that has transcended cultures and religions.
